Most Thai culturalhistorians agree that the Lakhon Chatri, defined by women who speak their lines with a lively musical accompaniment, and which features slightly off-color humor and rapid, animated movements, is the oldest surviving form. Lakhon Chatri was popular in the Southern region of Thailand before it was introduced to Bangkok in three periods. 1769 was the first time when King Taksin of Thonburi along with his army took power over several people including the Lakhon Chatri troupe from Nakhon Si Thammarat after having suppressed the ruler. In 1780, King Taksin commanded the troupes to perform Lakhon Chatri in competition with the royal court's dance drama troupe during the celebration of the Emerald Buddha statue. During the reign of King Rama the third in 1832, Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawong with his army, suppressed an uprising in the southern region and brought along with him several talented performers of Lakhon Chatri. Who formed a performing group together that became famous and the genre continued to be passed on to younger generations until today.
Having a square shaped area, the troupes set up four poles in four corners with one bench in the square. The pole in the middle is called Sao Mahachai. Also there is a roof above the performance area. There is a low stool which is placed in the middle of the covered space.
Costumes
The troupes perform shirtless. The main character wears more refined costumes than other characters. Sanap phlao is used. The decorative cloth strips include hoi na and hoi khang. Other decorative accessories are the Sangwan, thap suag, krong kho and a soet.
Performance
Before the performance begins, the performers perform their rites to pay respect to the teachers and past masters. Followed by Hom Rong Chatti by the Pi Phatorchestra, Rong Prakat Na Bot, Ram Sat Na Bot to the music by the main character who dances in an anti-clockwise circle. The main character would chant an incantation, a spell, while dancing in a bid to invoke protections from the evil. The story begins as the main character sits on the bench. From this point onwards the main character begins to sing while other characters in the story sing the chorus. When the performance finishes, the main character performs a Sat dance again, but this time he chants the incantation backwards and moves in a clockwise circle, called Khlai Yan, to undo the spell.
